When I’m out shopping one of the first labels I look for is the Fairtrade logo.

When I’m out shopping one of the first labels I look for is the Fairtrade logo.

As I grow some of my own fruit and vegetables I know just how much hard work it can be to produce food so I like to think that the farmers, growers, pickers and packers get a slightly bigger share of the price I pay at the till.

And when you cost it out Fairtrade generally costs just a tiny bit extra for each square of chocolate or cup of tea.

It’s not going to change the world overnight but it is a little more equitable.

Which brings me on to unfair trade. And on to cheapskate companies who don’t pay their fair share of tax.

When I got my first proper pay packet I grumbled to my dad about how much had been deduced by the revenue.

He wisely pointed out that taxes pay for things we all use like schools and hospitals and I remember him saying that actually we ought to be proud of how much tax we pay.

And that rich men should be boasting to each other how much they paid in tax rather than how little.

Sadly, most of them don’t.

And too many multinational corporations do everything they can to cheat and chisel their way out of paying their dues.

Because they rely on the rest of us educating their staff and on the NHS to get them fit to work when they’ve been ill.

They use our taxes to keep their streets swept and get their shoplifters arrested.

And if I can pay my fair share of taxes they should do the same.

They are also cheating the honest businesses who do cough up by using an unfair competitive lever to keep their costs and prices down.

So until they start paying their fair share I’m joining the boycott of Amazon and Starbucks and the rest of them.

If we all did the same they would quickly change their tune.

So how about a new Unfairtrade logo for the companies who choose to cheat us all?